Project Mapping Details

Regional : Harmonizing the GMS Power Systems to facilitate Regional Power Trade Project Dates: December 2014 - February 2022

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

Subregional Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) power trade based on interconnected electric power networks will provide long-term economic and environmental benefits for individual countries and the entire GMS subregion. Such trade will enable members to
(i) reduce national investments in the power reserves maintained to meet peak demand
(ii) provide a more reliable supply of electricity, including power supply from an interconnected network in case of power failure
(iii) reduce operational costs
(iv) reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants
(v) increase consumers' access to the cheapest and most environmentally sustainable source of electricity in the subregion.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This regional technical assistance (RETA) is designed to support the continuous work of the Regional Power Trade Coordination Committee, the Working Group on Performance Standard and Grid Code, the Working Group on Regulatory Issues, and eventually the Regional Power Coordination Center in laying the essential building blocks to facilitate GMS regional power trade. Through these institutions, much more will be done by the GMS members themselves in developing a full-fledged GMS power market where all countries can realize and share the full benefits of synchronous operations. Interventions include harmonizing performance standards and grid codes dictating the technical rules for the coordinated planning and operation of the regional electricity market; and harmonizing regulatory framework, pricing, legal framework for third party access to the grid and wheeling obligations all towards a unified, fair and transparent regional electricity market.

To realize and share the full benefits of synchronous operations, the establishment of the RPCC will tangibly demonstrate members' ownership and leadership of the regional power trade and market development process.

This RETA is intended to continue to build on the achievements of RETA 6440: Facilitating Regional Power Trading and Environmentally Sustainable Development of Electricity Infrastructure in the GMS. Specifically, this RETA supports the necessary institutional works for the establishment of the RPCC, and the work plan and activities of WGPG and WGRI towards the development of a GMS power market. Ultimately, the RETA is designed to maintain the momentum of regional power trade.